The United States will begin this Monday the blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian portsin a measure that raises tension in the Middle East and generates concern in global energy markets. The decision, announced by the Central Command of the Armed Forces (CENTCOM), It will be applied generally to vessels of all nationalities.
According to the official statement, the operation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the East Coast of the United States and will cover all Iranian ports located in both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.. However, Washington clarified that it will not prevent the navigation of ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz as long as they are not destined for Iranian port facilities.
Tension on key global oil route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic maritime routes on the planet, since nearly a fifth of the world’s oil circulates through it.. The possibility of restrictions or incidents on this route has generated concern among energy market analysts and operators.
Experts warn that any interruption in trade flow could cause a significant increase in crude oil prices. In fact, recent reports indicate that the price of gasoline in the United States has already registered considerable increases since the beginning of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump had advanced the measure hours earlier, ensuring that the Navy would begin blocking vessels in the area “with immediate effect.” The decision comes after the failure of peace negotiations with Iran in Pakistan, where an agreement was not reached on the Iranian nuclear program or on the de-escalation of the conflict.
Iran’s Navy? Long previous. Their Air Pressure? Obliterated. Hundreds of ships at the backside of the sea.
Iran has no cards after Operation Story Fury’s resounding results. pic.twitter.com/7YS8st8aMM
— The White Dwelling (@WhiteHouse) April 12, 2026
Iran rejects the blockade and assures to contain watch over Hormuz
From Tehran, the response was immediate. Iranian military authorities described the decision as “ridiculous” and warned that they maintain total control over the Strait of Hormuz.. The Revolutionary Guard affirmed that the sea route remains open for non-military vessels, but warned that any foreign military presence will be responded to firmly.
In addition, Iranian political leaders issued warnings about the economic impact of the measure.suggesting that American consumers could face substantial fuel price increases in the coming months.
The tensions are also reflected in the diplomatic field. Iranian officials noted that the United States failed to build trust during recent talkswhile Washington insists that Tehran did not accept key conditions related to its nuclear program.
Doubts between allies and risk of escalation
The US decision does not have, for now, unified support from its allies. The United Kingdom, for example, has indicated that it will not participate in a direct blockade and reiterated its stance on maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.
At the same time, efforts are continuing to form a possible international coalition to guarantee maritime security.although some countries have indicated that any action would require support from multilateral organizations.
In parallel, security incidents have been reported in waters near Yemenwhich increases concern about possible attacks on commercial vessels on alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the development of the blockade and the eventual Iranian response keep the international community on alert.in a scenario where the balance between military pressure and global economic stability seems increasingly fragile.
Keep reading:
- Pope Leo XIV criticizes the “illusion of omnipotence” in the war between the US, Israel and Iran
- Trump assures that the United Kingdom will help in the demining of Hormuz, while Starmer refuses to join the blockade
- Washington threatens China with 50% tariffs if it supplies weapons to Iran
